Minecraft Update Brings Cross-Platform Multiplayer

By
PC Mag ME TeamSept. 9, 2015, 12:20 p.m.

Minecraft is about to get even better. The game's next update will bring cross-platform multiplayer and a number of features for mobile players.

"The upcoming 0.12.1 update is, in a word, awesome," Microsoft said in a blog post. "For the first time ever, up to five friends can play cross-platform multiplayer on a local network between Minecraft: Pocket Edition and Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta." Plus, the Windows 10 version now lets up to five friends play together over Xbox Live.

The update also brings a number of "highly requested catch-up features" for Minecraft: Pocket Edition, the $6.99 mobile version of the game. That includes revamped touch controls, controller support, and the controller mapping screen. You'll also get the same enhanced weather effects Windows 10 beta players have enjoyed, including snow accumulation and directional rain.

"In addition to plenty of new goodies to build and potions to brew, you'll now be able to encounter golems and ocelots, and even explore the Nether," Microsoft said. "Finally, this update brings the ability to sneak and sprint in Pocket Edition."

Meanwhile on the Minecraft front, the game's creator Markus "Notch" Persson recently garnered many a virtual eye-roll after lamenting about the down sides of being a billionaire. In a series of tweets, Persson, who sold Minecraft maker Mojang to Microsoft for $2.5 billion last year, said that having so much money is an isolating experience, and leaves him feeling disconnected from friends and former co-workers. Luckily, most of us will never have that problem.